As the general election draws near, one Phoenix politician is looking even further ahead. Mayor Greg Stanton is pursuing options to run for future office.
Stanton filed paperwork with the state to form a committee for a 2018 run at the Secretary of State’s Office. In a statement, Stanton said “In the coming months, I will take a serious look at future opportunities to continue to serve the people of Arizona.” Stanton went on to say he looks forward to “defeating some of our state’s longtime embarrassments.”
Current Secretary of State Michele Reagan has come under repeated fire in her first two years in office for failing to send out informational pamphlets before a special election in May. Reagan was also criticized for not issuing revised elections manuals before the November general election.
Stanton’s campaign spokesman Andy Barr says a new campaign-finance law forces Stanton to set up the committee before Nov. 4 if he wishes to transfer funds from his mayoral campaign. Campaign-finance reports show Stanton has more than $500,000 cash on hand.
